Inspired from the Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen’s famous play, “The master Builder”, Aakshagopuram is a Malayalam movie set in the back drop of London. This one has got a Global nature in almost all its aspects, and it is the first of its kind in Malayalam Cinema. It also features an international release.

Talking about the film, I ‘am not sure, if there have been a better film adaptation to a ‘play’, in the entire Malayalam film history.In fact Malayalam cinema have never cared to adapt from literature, neither Malayalam literature nor any foreign literature…

Albert Samson(Mohanlal), the movie’s protagonist(the master builder), is one of the most powerful characters created in Malayalam cinema over the last few years…As Mohanlal himself said, there is immense number of shades to his character…and his portrayal of the character, is just magical…the subtlety he express in each of his movement…the body language…the way he brings out all those restrained emotions…..all these seems too surreal. Don’t know, if anyone else in Indian cinema could do justice to this character.His involvement with character is simply awesome….he seems to have enjoyed playing every bit of this character…

The movie is completely about this one character- Albert Samson, his rise and fall in his profession, as a human being, his fear of the younger generation, his greed, his love, his desire…

To make a convincing and faithful adaptations to one of the world’s greatest writer’s masterpiece work couldn’t have been that easy. The point is that KP Kumran has done it masterfully. He was completely successful in keeping the essence and depth of the original…The movie is just 1hr 45 min and there is not even a single unnecessary scene.

The technical side of the movie is at such heights, where Malayalam cinema could never reach, up till now. Combining the best technicians from west and east, the movie looks too rich. The technical brilliance of the film just adds to its perfection. All such achievements make sure that finally we can proudly show one of our Malayalam cinema, to the world.Camera and art was done brilliantly. Felt some minor faults with the editing, which however is easily forgettable…

The music is yet another highlight. The veteran Hollywood music composer John Altman (Titanic, Shall we dance…) has done the film’s music. The part music played in creating the mood required for the film is inevitable. Sound design is also done by a biggy, Niegl Holland (Batman Begins, Brave heart…).The films music will surely stay with you…

The film is highly symbolic and there is definitely a lot of things in this small (in length) film…it all depends on how you look at it…like all classics…the film will be rewarding only if you are ready to give it, it’s due respect..

The Reception for this movie in Kerala, is however a sad thing. One of the costliest Malayalam movies is now running in the theatres without much audience. The movie is widely being marked as an art film and many are keeping away from it. I don’t expect such movie to run in packed houses from day 1, but surely it demands more respect.

Kerala is the place which has produced many masterpiece movies in Indian cinema and also many geniuses in the field.But the present condition of Malayalam cinema is pathetic. The quality of the Malayali audience is also degrading.

This movie wouldn’t be a box office success. But true movie lovers should watch this film (with the right inclination). And, for this acting legend-Mohanlal.

As for me, this movie was far beyond my intellect, and hence was a great enlightenment (I would have to watch it many times to understand it more). It made me so happy, mainly because rarely do such things happen in Malayalam cinema.

To make a final verdict, I would like to repeat that, Aakshagopuram is one of the best play (or any literature, for that case) adaptation in Malayalam film history. Try to watch it.